Smoke disposal and draft inducing apparatus



1933' F. H. c. coPPus SMOKE DISPOSAL AND DRAFT INDUCING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 31, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 18, 1933. F H. c. COPPUS 1,904,357

SMOKE DISPOSAL AND DRAFT INDUCING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 51, 1929 2 Sheetsheet 2 2 l Patented Apr, 18,

- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE,

FRANS n. o. corrus or 'wonc rrs rnn, mssAoHUsErtrs, ASSIGNOR TO ANNA c. WECHSBERG, VERA L. wool), AND 'FRANs H. cor us, AS TRUSTEES, ALL OF wonorsrnn, MASSACHUSETTS SMOKE D'ISZPOSAL AND DRAFT INDUCING APPARATUS Application filed December 31,1929. Serial No. 417,774.

This invention relates primarily toimprovements in adjustable smoke jacks for disposing of smoke, steam, gases landithe like from locomotives in roundhouses and similar structures, and in itspre'ferred embodiment includes means for inducing a draft through the locomotive either for the purpose of properly firing up the locomotive and generating steam in the 'locomo-tiveboiler or for furnishing ventilation when men are working in the fire box of a hot locomotive. v V j The purpose of the invention is to provide an improved smoke jack of the vertically and longitudinally adjustabletyipe and to combine it with a compact inexpensive and efficient draft inducing apparatus.

Heretofore jacks of this type, whether or not combined with a draft inducing-apparatus, have been so constructed that they de pend from tru'nn-ions or joints either at their extreme upper end or at the extreme upper end of their swinging portion with the result that the ack would normally hang vertically, and in order to bring it out of'this-position laterally considerable force was necessary to counteract the force of gravity, This had to be done from a remote point and the usual. means'employed wereropes and pulleys or links and levers, etc.,'none of which are practical in roundhouses. It is one of the objects of this invention, to provide a jack which will be substantially balanced in any position it may occupy when applied to the stack of a locomotive, thereby cutting down, to a large degree, the need of ropes, pulleys, levers and the like for bringing it and holding it in any desired position.

Heretofore apparatus of the character described has been adapted to engage locomo-' tives in varying longitudinal positions on the track beneath, but to my knowledge they were never adapted to move laterally with relation to the locomotive' track, which is quite necessary if the apparatus has to engage the stack of a locomotive which is tilted. It is one of the objects of this invention to provide means for lateral as Well as longitudinal movement of the jack in relation to the locomotive track. I Anotherobject of the invention is to provide for engaging the jack with thestack of a locomotive from the floor of the roundhouse through :a single instrumentality and to hold the lower portion of the jack in the extreme top position, when not engaged with a locomotive stack, out of the way of incoming engines.

, Locomotive dra-fters which are combined .with smoke acks of the adjustable type consist, of course, of a fan or exhauster, an uptake pipe and an ofitake or discharge pipe, and to secure the greatest efficiency in opera tion of the fan both the uptake and the oil-' take vpipe should be free of all :bends or elbows. .To accomplish this object I usea fan of the propeller type which revolves in a horizontal plane and through which the gases pass without their course being changed. It has been attempted to accomplish this object by using a fan of the centrifugal type and mounting it with its inlet downward, but while this eliminates a bend in the intake and the fanrevolves in a horizontal plane it necessitates a bend in the oflitake pipe :in order to discharge the gases vertically into the atmosphere, thereby nullifying. theadvantage of the elimination of the bend in the uptake pipe. It is, theretore, one of the purposes of my invention to provide a construction wherein the gases travel through apipe in a straight line of direction from the stack of the locomotive to the atmosphere.

A further object of the invention is to provi'dean improved exhauster of the combination direct randindirect induced draft type, whereby the velocity of the gases discharged by the fan draws the gases through an annular space surrounding the fan.

Another object of the invention is to pro- Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a side elevational view (partly 1n section) of a preferred form of the apparatus,

showing the uptake pipe in position over the locomotive stack, the dotted line position illustrating the oscillating or swinging capacity of this pipe in one direction;

Fig. 2 is an end elevational view (partly n section) thereof, showing the locomotive stack tilted, which often occurs;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the eXhauster, oscillating casing and part of uptake pipe;

Fig. 4 is a sectional vew on the line 44 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the exhauster on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 3 but with the exhauster eliminated and a counterweight added, reducing the invention to that of an improved smoke jack.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing a modification in which a part of this invention can be carried out.

Fig. 8 is a similar view of another modification in which a part of this invention can be carried out, and

Figs. 9 and 10 are respectivelyan elevation and plan view of an arrangement for drafting locomotive in which the preferred form of exhauster may be used to advantage.

In the form of the invention shown in the first five figures, the smoke jack is composed, as usual, of a long tube preferably made in sections, the top section 10 adapted to receive the exhaust-er 11, if one is used, the supporting section 12, the main part 13 depending therefrom, and a telescoping end 14 at the bottom.

In order to counterbalance this device so that it will require little or no effort to keep it in inclined position, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1, the parts above the supporting section 12 are preferably made of heavy metal, as indicated in Fig. 3, while the parts below the supporting section are made of light metal. For the purpose of adding to the weight, a ring or collar 16 is shown around the top of the section 10, or a counterweight 16 added as in Fig. 6, and the blower 11 if used can be considered as a part of the counterbalancing means. This furnishes an important advantage because the whole device can be easily moved into inclined position and have practically no tendency to swing away from whatever position it is placed in. This avoids the use of chains, ropes, pulleys, links, etc. for holding it in some position other than normal.

For the purpose of allowing full adjustment of the lower end of the jack it is mounted on trunnions 15, as stated, which are supported in a frame 17 which itself is provided with two trunnions 18 at right angles to the trunnions 15, and resting in hearings in the stationary support 19 onthe roof 20 of the building. In this way it will be seen that not only is the jack adjustable for locomotives at difierent points along the track but also for those which may be tilted out of proper position.

At the bottom of the lower section the jack is provided with an adapter 21 pivoted to the member 14 on an'axis at right angles to the track, and provided with a curved section 22 to avoid the entrance of air around it. This is to provide for locomotives at different points along the track as indicated in dotted lines in'Fig. ,1, and the globular joint prevents leakage atthis point. For locomotives which are-tilted on the track as indicated in Fig. 2 no globular joint is necessary on account of-the limited change in stack position.

For the purpose of avoiding the complicated methods heretofore employed for raising and lowering the telescoping section 14 of the jack, I provide chains or wire ropes 23, one on each side of the jack, connecting the sec tion 14'with a quadrant 24. This supports quadrant is mounted on aframe 25 having arms extending into position to be secured to the jack in a firm stationary position and rigidly mounted. Turning with the quadrant is an arm 26, provided preferably with a counterweight 27 and adapted to be manipulated from the floor of the building by a rod 28 pivoted to its lower end. This rod 28 not only is capable of being raised and lowered to perform the opposite operation on the telescoping section 14, but it also can be used to swing the jack out of vertical position as may be desired.

Referring to Fig. 2 it will be seen that by pulling down on the rod 28 the telescoping carrying the spring latches by the annular rib, after which it may be lowered to any de sired position by raising the rod 28. To move the jack longitudinally with the track it is only necessary to move the rod 28 in the direction desired. To move the jack laterally in relation to the track towards the left, the rod 28 is moved in that direction, the part of the rod extending above the pivot 28 engaging with a stop 26 on the arm 26. By

Pull ng down on the rod 28 the jack has a tendency to move laterally to the right in relation to the track unless checked by moving the rod to the left, and therefore it is only necessary to allow the jack to follow this natural tendency if it is desired to move it that the section in any desired position. This jack out of the way of incoming engines through a single instrume'ntality, namely the rod 28.

It will be understood thatt-he jack can be used simply for carrying away the smoke under natural draft without any exhauster,

as indicated in Fig.6, in which case the construction is the same with the omission of the blower. For the purpose of counterbalancing the parts below the supporting section v 12, counterweights 16*; preferably .located opposite each other are :provided which may be adjustable to secure-perfect balance. I

The exhauster may be a steam jet or air jet blower, but for the sake of efficiency I prefer a power driven fan. It is shown as mounted in the center of the section on "a vertical axis and operated by a motor located in a casing 31 centrally placed. Instead of using a motor to drive the exhauster any other driving means may be used-:-as,'-foir instance, a fluid turbine. The fan of the exhauster is located in a casing 32'also centrally placed, and supported from the inner wall of the section 10 by radial arms, thus forming therewith an annular space through which the gases may pass at all times. The casing 32 is provided with doors 33 which are adapted to be opened by the force of the draft behind them, but normally will lie inclined downward, as indicated in dottcd -lines,"to protect the exhauster from the elements. The velocity of the gases discharged through-the casing 32 causespart of the gases topass upwardly through the space between the casing 32 and the wall of the section 1 0,1thereby increasing the efficiency of theexhauster.

The casing 31 is shown as providedwith an inlet 31 and a-small blower'34 is adapted to direct a blast of cold air throughthe inlet 31 and its motor adaptedto be connected with a source ofpower by a thermostat 35. If the heat. gets toohigh,the thermostat will expand and connect the motor of the blower 34 with its source of current,and then, as long as the temperature is too high,

cold air will be blown into the motor-casing-31 to keep the motor 30 me safely cool condition. 7

When the -exhauster is in operation it draws air through the inlet 31 and around the motor, thus keeping the motor cool, but

' thereforethe blower '34 will supply the de- ,ficienoy. v H

In the form shown in Fig. 7 the-upper end of the uptake pipe is provided with-an elbow '40 "which terminates andextendstowards the inlet of an exhaust fan 41 having a motor 42 outside the casing where it is exposed to the cooling influence of the atmosphere. The

casing'of the exhaust fan is supported by suitablebrackets and fastened to the roof of the building. The elbow is pivoted on a shaft 43 substantially co-axial with the ini let of the exhaust fan, said shaft being supvported above the roof of the building and having a counter-Weight 44 provided on an arm so that the uptake pipe is counterbalanced.

, In the-form shown in Fig. 8, thelower part ofthe device is the samefandthe jack extends materially above the roof of the building, has a lateral outlet extending and terminating towards the inlet of an exhaust fan 46,-a-ndis supported by a shaft 45 sub stantially co-axial with the shaft of the exhaust fan 46. 'Here' the topof the jack is provided with a pivoted'cover' 47 normally held open by a counterweight 48. When the blower 46 is started up it will, draw the air currents from the main jack'into the blower casing and discharge them into-a pipe 49. in this ease the cover--47 will close by the suction created in the jack.

In the form shown in Figs. 9 and 10,1the

preferred form of exhauster, as shown in wardly above the blower, and is provided "with a lateral discharge 50'into a vertical pipe .51 from which it discharges at a point Well above the roof. The jack is provided with *a rotatably mounted intake pipe 53 on a-roller support '52, the intakepipe thus be- .ing-a'da-pted to swing about avertica'l pivot through any space within approximately as'indicated in'Fig. 10. WV'hennot-in'use it is adapted to be swung back against the wall'of the building as shown in dotted lines ,in thatfigure. It is also adapted to swing around :a horizontal pivot '59 and it is held up by a counterweight58supported by acab'le =57' or the like. The horizontal intake pipe -53 'has a telescoping cap 56 slidable on rollers55-and-adapted to fit over the locomotive smoke stacks.

In-this way it will be seen that the adjustment z-is suflicient for all purposes, and that wherever the locomotive islooated,'with-in a limited area, the cap 56- can be movedto register with it. The blower 11 in this case may be the same as shown in Fig. 5, and is so indicated. I his shows the application of "this invention to an old form .of;-jack for the same purpose as the other figures. The construction of the exhauster is not claimed herein by-itself as it is covered by my copending application Serial No'..180,0l8, filed March 31, 1927, patented May 17, 1932, .No. 1,858,581. 1 i

Although :I :have'illustrate'd and described only four forms of the invention I am aware of the fact that changes can be made therein by any person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the claims. Therefore, I do not Wish to be limited to the forms shown, but what I do claim is 1. As an article of manufacture, a smoke jack suspended to swing, having; the part above the point of suspension made to substantially counterbalance the part below the point of suspension.

2. In a roundhouse equipment, the combination of an exhauster, an uptake pipe hav ing a pivotal connection which permits the pipe to swing so that the lower end of the pipe may be adjusted longitudinally in relation to the track below, and means extending above said pivotal connection to counterbalance the pipe below said pivotal connection.

3. A smoke jack for roundhouses having means for pivotally suspending the same at an intermediate point between its intake and its outlet, the portions on'either side of said point substantially balancing each other, and means for swinging the smoke jack on its point of suspension longitudinally in relation to the track below.

4. A smoke jack for roundhouses having means for suspending the same at an intermediate point between its intake and its outlet which permits the ack to be adjusted longitudinally and laterally in relation to the track below, the portions on either side of said point substantially balancing each other.

5. In a roundhouse equipment, the combination of an eXhauster and a smoke ack having means for pivotally suspending the same at an intermediate point between its intake and its outlet, the portions on eitherside of said point substantially balancing each other.

6. In a roundhouse equipment, the combination of an exhauster and a smoke jack supporting the exhauster and mounted in a manner allowing it to swing laterally in relation to the track below.

7 In a smoke disposal and draft inducing apparatus, the combination of a conduit adapted to convey the gases from the locomotive to the atmosphere, an exhauster within the conduit comprising a fan rotatably mounted and a casing surrounding the fan and spaced inside of the conduit, the outer wall of said casing forming with. the inner wall of the conduit a passageway for the gases.

8. In a smoke disposal and draft inducing apparatus, the combination of a conduit adapted to convey the gases from the locomotive to the atmosphere, an exhauster within the conduit comprising a fan rotatably mounted and a casing surrounding the fan and spaced inside of the conduit, the outer wall of said casing forming with the inner Wall of the conduit an annular space through which part of the gases are driven, caused by the velocity of the gases discharged bythe fan of the exhauster when the tan is running.

9. In a locomotive drafter, the combination witha conduit, of an exhauster within said conduit, and covering means for the exhauster to protect it against the elements.

10. In a smoke jack, the combination with a conduit, an exhauster in the conduit, a motor for the exhauster in the conduit, a casing for the motor to protect it from direct contact with the smoke and gases passing through the jack, and means for automatically introducing air from outside the conduit into said casing at a predetermined temperature of the gases in the conduit. 7

11. In a locomotive drafter, the combination with a conduit, of an eXha-uster at the upper end of the conduit, and covering means for the exhauster to protect it against the elements. V

1.2. In alocomotive drafter, the combination with a conduit, of an exhauster mounted within said conduit in such a manner as to form a space between said exhauster and the inner wall of the conduit, and covering means for the exhauster to protect it against the elements.

13. In a locomotive drafter, the combination with a conduit, of an exhaust er within said conduit, and coveringmeans for the eX- hauster to protect it against the elements when said exhauster is not in operation.

14. In a smoke jack, the combination with a conduit pivotally mounted, of a telescoping section at the bottom and a depending rod connected with the jack for swinging it about its pivot and for raising and lowering the telescoping section. j

15. A smoke jack for roundhouses having means for suspending the same at an intermediate point between its intake and its outlet which permits the jack to swing so that the lower end'of the jack may be adjusted laterally in relation to the track below, the portions on either side of said point substan tially balancing each other.

16. In a-roundhouse equipment, the combination of an exhauster, a smoke jack, and means for suspend ng the ]3.Cl at an intermediate point between its intake and its out let, permitting the jack to swing so that the lower end of the jack may be adjusted longitudinally in relation to a track below, the portions on either side of said point substantially balancing each other.

17. In a roundhouse equipment, the combination ofan exhauster, a smoke jack, means for pivotally suspending the ack at an intermediate point between its intake and its outlet, the portions on either side of said point substantially balancing each other, and

means for swinging the smoke jack on its pomt of SUSQPQHSIOIIlOllgltllCliIllllY and laterally in relation to a track below.

CTI

18. In a roundhouse equipment, the combination of an exhauster, a smoke jack, and 7 means for suspending the jack at an intermediate point between its intake and its outlet permitting the jack to swing so that the lower end of the jack may be adjusted laterally in relation to a track below, the portions on either side of said point substantially balancing each other.

19. In a smoke disposal and draft inducing apparatus, the combination of a conduit adapted to convey the gases from a locomotive to the atmosphere, an exhauster within the conduit comprising a fan rotatably mounted and a casing surrounding the fan and spaced inside of the conduit, the outer wall of said casing forming with the inner wall of the conduit a passage through which the gases may be discharged by natural draft.

20. In a smoke disposal and draft inducing apparatus, the combination of a flue for conducting the hot gases and an exhauster, said exhauster comprising a fan and a casing surrounding the fan located inside of said flue, and a motor for actuating the fan exposed to the cooling influence of the atmosphere.

21. In a smoke jack, the combination of a conduit pivotally mounted, a telescoping section at the bottom, a frame secured to the conduit, a quadrant pivoted on said frame, a flexible connection on the quadrant connected with the telescoping section for raising or lowering it, an arm on the quadrant for operating it, and an operating rod pivotally depending from said arm.

22. In a smoke jack, the combination with a conduit. of an exhauster mounted in the upper end of the conduit, an inlet from outside the conduit to the motor of the exhauster, a thermostatnear the motor, and a ventilating blower adapted to force a draft through said inlet and connected to be. started into operation by the action of the thermostat, when the temperature gets too-high.

23. In a roundhouse equipment, the combination of an exhauster, and a' smokejack supporting the exhauster and mounted in a manner allowing it to swing longitudinally in relation to the track below. V

24. In a smoke jack, the combination with a conduit pivotally mounted. of a depending rod for swinging the conduit about its pivot and connected with the conduit in such a manner as to be capable of moving with the conduit and in the same direction of the conduit.

25. In a smoke jack, the combination of a conduit, pivotally mounted, a telescoping section at the bottom, means for raising or lowering the telescoping section and an op erating rod pivotally depending from said means.

26. In a roundhouse equipment, the combination of an exhauster and a smoke jack section and means associated with the jack and the telescoping sectioncapable of maintaining said section in an elevated position.

29. A smoke jack having a telescoping section, means for raising and lowering said section and means on the smoke jack cooperating with means on the telescoping section for maintaining said section in an elevated position.

In test1mony whereof vI have hereunto affixed my signature.

- FRANS H. C. COPPUS. 

